RIOSA Re-Visited – Fourth Time

As a result of Ray’s seizure on April 10, we spent 11 days in Northeast Baptist Hospital in the ICU and CVU. The care there was excellent but the debilitation from the seizure was severe enough that his doctors believed he needed to return to acute rehabilitation for a period of time. So today, we bade farewell to his nurses, CNAs, therapists and doctors at Northeast Baptist and returned to our other home away from home – RIOSA.

Many know RIOSA as HealthSouth but it was originally RIOSA when it opened 20 plus years ago and it is still RIOSA to me. Even though I was familiar with RIOSA, I checked out all the dedicated rehabilitation hospitals, both in Austin and San Antonio, before bringing Ray here the first time almost two years ago. My research indicated that RIOSA was the best facility, had the most to offer as far as therapy equipment, was clean and well kept and had the finest medical staff. I’ve never regretted that decision – obviously, since this is our fourth visit here.

Ray and I both have been fairly depressed about this event. We have been so happy and content at home that another side trip to a hospital, even RIOSA, was hard for us to bear. However, this visit won’t be as long as prior visits and going anywhere but RIOSA was simply out of the question. Ray has always felt safe and secure here; he likes the staff and has confidence in his therapists so it’s a win-win situation. He is back in his original room and that is comforting as well. Ray needs familiarity and security so Lisa will continue to come to RIOSA while he is here. The doctor today said she is his security blanket when I’m not here. He trusts her completely and was worried that she wouldn’t be coming with him. This will give her an opportunity to learn some new things and find out the best ways to help Ray, but will give her some extra time off and it will make him feel confident knowing she is nearby.

We are fortunate that one of our federal law enforcement friends needs a place to stay for a few weeks so he is going to stay at the house while Ray is in the hospital. That is reassuring because he will be in and out at all hours. That’s the best security you can get! He can also keep the two cats company. The first night he was there he closed the bedroom door to keep the cats out but they beat on the door and meowed until he opened it and let them in. Jasmine and Rayne both hate a closed door and give you no peace until you open it.

Tomorrow is Thursday and RIOSA usually has pet therapy on those days. They have a couple of Golden Retrievers that Ray particularly likes so he will be happy to see them again. We both still miss Remi terribly.

Another new chapter in our lives began today and we are going to make the best of it, in familiar surroundings with familiar people – working toward going home again.

Suzanne Hildebrand

Note: This is an mySA.com City Brights Blog. These blogs are not written or edited by mySA or the San Antonio Express-News. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

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About Suzanne’s Blog

Suzanne Hildebrand, is the widow of retired SAPD Detective, retired District Attorney Criminal Investigator and Live Oak Mayor Ray Hildebrand who suffered a massive stroke in 2008 and died on July 23, 2010. Suzanne is the founder of MADD in Texas, was appointed to serve on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards & Education (TCLEOSE) by Governor Bill Clements, and currently serves on the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke appointed by Governor Rick Perry. She also served on the Bexar County Jail Population Committee. While Suzanne’s main passion is stroke care and issues, her blog also addresses patient care, grief, political issues and items of general interest.

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